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Quietly ambling along…

From an unstable July where people were either waiting for their holidays… or just waiting to hear what the Government would do next, August seems to have brought a nice new feel to the place. The old town has more visitors, charmed by the ambience and quaintness they never thought that Margate had to offer. People are frequenting the shops, a nice change! And there is an expectant air of excitement with the forthcoming Dippers and Dunkers festival coming up.

On a more down to earth level a new book shop has opened on the corner of the Piazza, quietly discreet and unassuming, selling books at excellent prices. Mainly due to the fact that this little gem is the Pilgrims Hospice bookshop and all proceeds go towards the charity it supports. Great books, nice price and helpful too! Situated in the old Midland Bank it is aptly named the ‘Old Bank Bookshop’. Worth a few minutes snooping through the vast range they have on offer from the Children’s section, all kitted out with cushions and low tables for toddlers to place their finds, to local history, art… naturally! And for those so inclined a romance section. I have to say I dashed in there immediately to see if they had Len Deighton’s Spy Line… one of the Hook, Line and Sinker trilogy. Not normally my thing but I read the first one and was literally hooked! Alas, however, they didn’t… but I’m still looking if you fancy getting rid of your copy.

Exhibitions are changing at a rate. If you missed Helder Clara’s excellent ‘Displacement’ I will be tweeting and generally shouting out where it will be next… as soon as I know. Done entirely without funding, mesmerising and beautiful it was one of the best installations I have seen this year. Only on for a week though meant that once word got out… it was gone.

Now galleries are getting themselves preened and smartened up for the range of Burlesque beauties that will be displayed over the next few weeks. There’s tattoo art in the Harbour Gallery and Paul Emin, yes the brother of our mate Tracey, is not to be outdone by his sibling and will be showing photos in the Pie Factory Exhibition Space in Broad Street. More nakedness than you could possibly wish for!

So all in all, things are ambling along nicely down here. September seems not too far away, but for now let’s enjoy the weather, treat ourselves to an ice-cream and relax in the gentle change that August has brought us.